Bags Of Hope

Goal:

 USD $650

Raised:

 USD $690

Campaign created by Sarah Bray

Campaign funds will be received by Sarah Bray

Bags Of Hope

Cause: Giving Christmas gift bags with supplies to those experiencing street homelessness.

Distribution Date:12/21/24

Website: https://bagsofhope.home.blog/

"Bags of Hope" was started in December 2021 as a desire to do something helpful for the unhoused population who live in our streets. We desire not only to help with material needs, but also to share God's love & hope with them. So we began an annual Christmas gift bag distribution every December & are now in our 4th year of this ministry. All the supplies come from donations - both monetary gifts for purchasing items (see note at the end) as well as preowned items no longer needed. Thanks to the many caring people who help with your prayers, generous contributions, & donations, we've been blessed each year to be able collect & purchase the needed items in the months leading up to the distribution. We were able the 1st year to pass out 20 gift bags. The 2nd year in 2022, we were blessed to increase it to 30 bags. Then in 2023 we passed out 31 bags. Many people we met also let us pray with them & write down any prayer requests. They're listed on the website if you'd like to pray over them, & we'll include them again for this year so you know their needs. 

On the day of distribution, we drive around to several areas where homeless individuals reside or spend time, & where many are seen holding signs. The bags are filled with many essentials that can be especially hard for them to come by, specifically during the winter. These are items such as a warm hat, warm gloves, a few pairs of good quality socks (*the most requested item*), canned foods with pull top lids, a few snacks, toothbrushes & toothpaste, deodorant, a reusable water bottle, soap, shampoos & conditioners sometimes, washcloths, lotion & hand sanitizer, razors & shaving cream, nail clippers, ChapStick, flashlight, rain poncho, & an emergency blanket that holds in body heat. We also collect bigger items like blankets/sleeping bags & coats for them to choose from, along with clothing, shoes, scarves, backpacks & other luggage. Luggage with wheels are especially helpful & in 2023, God provided us with a jackpot of donated wheeled luggage that made many people happy. Those are so helpful when trying to carry all your belongings with you everywhere. We also include a New Testament, a tract, and a personal handwritten Christmas card in each bag. People have told us the handwritten card means a lot, as well as a small wrapped gift like a chocolate bar for each person. We've also been able to buy several pizzas to have some fresh food available, which has been a blessing to them since some go days without eating.

Every year, God provideds above and beyond to meet needs. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it. This is an opportunity to play a part in something bigger than just providing for some physical needs, but even more so in sharing the gospel & showing God's grace and care for those who may feel hopeless -- thus making a spiritual investment. Will you join us in prayer as we collect & shop for this year, and consider donating to this rewarding ministry if you're able? Several of the items can be used, and all monetary are used SOLELY for Bags Of Hope to purchase needed items. For now, we are not non-profit so monetary gifts are not tax deductible. 

**NOTE ABOUT "AMOUNT RAISED" LISTED HERE**  This blurb was just edited from last year's instead of writing a new one, so the amount raised includes this yr & last yr combined. The very first $100 was from last yr so there is $100 less than the total says. We wanted to make sure to accurately reflect that so people are aware how much of our goal we've actually met. 

Feel free to email us at:    BagsOfHope.xmas@gmail.com

Recent Donations
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Mary B
$ 20.00 USD
15 days ago

Mary B
$ 20.00 USD
1 month ago

Lara Huber
$ 50.00 USD
1 month ago

Anonymous Giver
$ 215.00 USD
2 months ago

A great way to help those in need.

Mary B
$ 20.00 USD
2 months ago

Anonymous Giver
$ 25.00 USD
3 months ago

Mary B
$ 20.00 USD
3 months ago

Mary B
$ 20.00 USD
4 months ago

Mary B
$ 20.00 USD
5 months ago

Mary B
$ 20.00 USD
6 months ago

Mary B
$ 20.00 USD
7 months ago

Mary B
$ 20.00 USD
8 months ago

Mary B
$ 20.00 USD
9 months ago

Mary B
$ 20.00 USD
10 months ago

Mary B
$ 20.00 USD
11 months ago

Mary B
$ 20.00 USD
1 year ago

Mary B
$ 20.00 USD
1 year ago

Mary B
$ 20.00 USD
1 year ago

Mary B
$ 100.00 USD
1 year ago

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